The best fold down spare tire carrier depends on where you need to mount the tire. The Extreme Max hitch model is best for vehicles using a 2-inch receiver and needing tailgate access; the GADFISH elevated folding mount suits trailer wheels with several lug patterns; and the heavy-duty RV bracket is designed for 15- and 16-inch tires on 4-inch square bumpers. The other GADFISH mounts offer trailer mounting options, but their listed features do not specify a folding mechanism.
| Product | Best For | Key Fit Information |
|---|---|---|
| Extreme Max Pivoting Hitch Carrier | Receiver-mounted access | Standard 2-inch receiver |
| GADFISH Elevated Folding Mount | Folding trailer mount | Multiple lug counts and bolt patterns |
| Heavy-Duty Folding RV Bracket | Travel trailer bumper mounting | 15- and 16-inch wheels; 4-inch square bumper |
| GADFISH Boat Trailer Carrier | Trailer spare storage | Up to 150 pounds; multiple bolt patterns |
| GADFISH Stainless Steel Carrier | Stainless trailer mount option | Up to 150 pounds; multiple bolt patterns |
Extreme Max Pivoting Hitch Carrier
Best for: Drivers who want a spare tire mounted to a vehicle’s 2-inch receiver and need to reach the tailgate. This carrier pivots downward without requiring removal from the vehicle, making it the most direct choice here for receiver-mounted access.
The listed anti-rattle system holds the carrier upright to reduce unwanted noise and vibration. Its stated fit is any standard 2-inch receiver, so check your receiver size before choosing it.
Limitation: This is a hitch-receiver mount, not a trailer bumper bracket. Avoid it if your setup does not have a compatible 2-inch receiver.
GADFISH Elevated Folding Trailer Mount
Best for: Trailer owners looking for an elevated folding carrier with broad wheel-pattern coverage. The listing describes a stainless steel mount and fitment for 4-, 5-, or 6-lug trailer wheels on 4-, 4.5-, 4.75-, 5-, 5.5-, and 6-inch bolt patterns.
Choose this if those listed bolt patterns match your wheel and an elevated folding design suits your trailer. The range of lug counts and bolt patterns makes fit verification especially important.
Limitation: The provided product details do not state a load capacity or bumper-mount dimensions. Confirm those requirements before purchase.
Heavy-Duty Folding RV Bumper Bracket
Best for: RV owners who need a folding spare tire bracket for 15- or 16-inch travel trailer tires. The listed mount attaches to 4-inch square bumpers and is made from heavy-duty steel.
The description also identifies a double-nut design intended to prevent loosening and says installation is quick and easy. Select it if your tire size and bumper dimensions match the stated specifications.
Limitation: Fitment is described for 4-inch square bumpers and 15- or 16-inch tires. The listed details do not establish compatibility with other bumper sizes or wheel sizes.
GADFISH Boat Trailer Spare Tire Carrier
Best for: Boat and utility trailer owners whose wheel matches one of the stated patterns and who need a carrier rated to hold up to 150 pounds. It fits 4-, 5-, and 6-lug wheels on 4-, 4.5-, 4.75-, 5-, and 5.5-inch bolt patterns.
The listing describes a heavy-duty lock holder. This model is a useful comparison if capacity and bolt-pattern coverage matter more than a confirmed folding feature.
Limitation: The listed information does not describe a fold-down or pivoting mechanism. Do not choose it specifically for folding access without confirming the design.
GADFISH Stainless Steel Trailer Carrier
Best for: Trailer owners comparing stainless steel mounts with a stated load limit. The listing says it holds up to 150 pounds and fits 4-, 5-, or 6-lug wheels on 4-, 4.5-, 4.75-, 5-, and 5.5-inch bolt patterns.
Choose this if its stainless-steel construction and wheel-pattern range match your needs. Its stated capacity provides a clear figure to compare against the weight of your spare tire and wheel.
Limitation: The supplied details do not identify a folding mechanism or specify bumper dimensions. Confirm both before buying if folding access or a particular mounting surface is essential.
Buying Guide: How to Choose a Fold Down Spare Tire Carrier
Where will the carrier attach?
Start by identifying the mounting point. A hitch carrier requires a compatible receiver; the Extreme Max option specifies a standard 2-inch receiver. An RV bumper bracket may instead require a 4-inch square bumper. Trailer mounts can have different installation requirements, so do not assume that a wheel-pattern match guarantees the carrier will fit your trailer frame or bumper.
Does the design actually fold or pivot?
Look for explicit folding or pivoting language if lowering the tire carrier for access is the main goal. The Extreme Max model pivots down for tailgate access, and two listings describe folding designs. The other GADFISH trailer mounts are presented as carrier brackets, but their supplied details do not confirm folding. Ask the seller or review the full specifications before relying on them for access.
How do you check wheel fit?
Match both the number of lugs and the bolt pattern. Measure or confirm the wheel’s bolt pattern rather than relying only on a broad “4-, 5-, or 6-lug” description. Also compare the tire size with any stated limits: the RV bracket specifically lists 15- and 16-inch tires, while several GADFISH listings provide bolt-pattern ranges.
What capacity and materials matter?
Compare the carrier’s stated capacity with the combined weight of the spare wheel and tire. Two GADFISH listings specify a limit of up to 150 pounds; the other product details do not provide a capacity. Material descriptions, such as stainless steel or heavy-duty steel, are useful comparison points but do not replace checking fit, mounting instructions, and load limits.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a fold down spare tire carrier?
It is a spare tire mount designed to fold or pivot away from its upright position, potentially improving access to a tailgate or other area. Confirm the specific product’s movement and clearance requirements.
Which listed carrier is made for a 2-inch hitch receiver?
The Extreme Max Pivoting Hitch Carrier is specified for standard 2-inch receivers and pivots down for tailgate access.
Can a trailer spare tire carrier fit any wheel?
No. Check lug count, bolt pattern, tire size, and the carrier’s mounting requirements against your trailer and spare wheel.
Which listed trailer carriers state a weight capacity?
The two GADFISH trailer carrier listings state a capacity of up to 150 pounds. The other supplied product details do not list a weight limit.
Do all five carriers fold down?
No. Folding or pivoting is explicitly described for the Extreme Max carrier, the elevated GADFISH mount, and the RV bracket. The supplied details for the other two GADFISH mounts do not confirm folding.